CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Jatropha curcas L.often referred to as „Jatropha‟is one of the prospective oil-yielding plantswith vast industrial potential as bio-diesel (Jayanna, 2006). The seeds can be pressed into bio-oil that has good characteristics for direct combustion in compressed ignition engines or for the production of bio-diesel (Putten et al., 2010). The bio-oil can also be a raw material for soap making. The pressed residue of the seeds (pressed cake) is a good fertilizer and can also be used for bio-gas production. Jatropha curcas grows under subtropical conditions and can withstand conditions of severe drought and low soil fertility. It is capable of growing in marginal soil, and it can help to reclaim problematic lands. It is not a forage crop, hence, it plays an important role in deterring cattle as the leaves are not palatable, and thereby, protecting other valuable food or cash crops when used in fencing (Putten et al., 2010). Current interest by farmers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Jatropha curcas is mainly due to its potential as an energy crop.Jatropha curcas grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with cultivation limits at 30ºNand 35ºS (FACT, 2007). It also grows in lower altitudes of 0-500 meters above sea level. It is not sensitive to day length (flowering is independent of latitude) and may flower at any time of the year (Heller, 1996). It is a succulent shrub that sheds its leaves during the dry season, with deep roots that make it well suited to semi-arid conditions. While Jatropha can survive with as little as 250 to 300 mm of annual rainfall, at least 600 mm is needed for flowering and fruit setting (FACT, 2007).